HB 7197 Summary

• Requires manufacturers of consumer products (upholstered furniture and household items) to include a label clearly visible before purchase indicating whether the product contains added flame retardant chemicals above 1,000 parts per million, effective January 1, 2020.

• Mandates the label include Connecticut's statement that fire safety requirements can be met without flame retardants and that the state has identified many flame retardants as adversely impacting human health or development.

• Prohibits wholesalers, retailers, and manufacturers from knowingly selling or distributing children's products (clothing, toys, crib mattresses, nursing pillows, strollers, etc.) containing any added flame retardant chemicals in Connecticut, effective January 1, 2020; exempts personal resale by individuals.

• Designates the Department of Consumer Protection as the enforcement agency and requires the Commissioner to adopt regulations establishing minimum penalties for manufacturer non-compliance.

• Effective date is October 1, 2019 for the statute itself, with labeling and sales restrictions taking effect January 1, 2020.